Written answers

Wednesday, 27 September 2006

Department of Foreign Affairs

Foreign Conflicts

8:00 pm

Photo of Charlie O'ConnorCharlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 910: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will present an update on his contacts regarding the continued division of Cyprus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29825/06]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The United Nations has the lead role in the search for a comprehensive settlement of the Cyprus problem. As a result of the rejection of the Annan Plan by the electorate of the Republic of Cyprus on 26 April 2004, the accession of a united Cyprus to the EU on 1 May 2004 was not possible. Since 1 May 2004 the Republic of Cyprus has been a Member State of the EU but, in the absence of a comprehensive settlement, the application of the laws and regulations of the Union to the northern part of the island is suspended.

In a report earlier this year on Cyprus, Secretary General Annan emphasised the need for the parties to resume contacts and begin to think about how to re-engage in the search for a settlement. On 6 July last the UN Under-Secretary General for Political Affairs, Dr. Ibrahim Gambari, met with President Tassos Papadopoulos of the Republic of Cyprus and Mr. Mehmet Ali Talat, representing northern Cyprus. As a result of a request from USG Gambari, both leaders met directly on 8 July. The outcome of the meeting was an agreement to establish two technical committees: one on issues affecting the daily lives of people, and one on issues of longer-term substance. It is encouraging that some progress has been made in overcoming early obstacles encountered in the preliminary discussions on the establishment of the technical committees. We remain hopeful that both sides can make further progress and that the technical committees will begin deliberations in the near future.

Ireland, in particular through our Embassy in Nicosia, will continue to encourage both sides to renew their commitment to the negotiating process and the achievement of the objective of a bi-zonal, bi-communal federal State through an honourable, balanced and durable settlement protecting and guaranteeing the basic interests and aspirations of all.

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